What are the properties of high carbon steel?

High carbon steel is characterized by its strength and hardness, which is primarily due to the higher carbon content compared to low carbon steel. This increased carbon content enhances the steel's ability to withstand heavy loads and resist deformation. However, this strength comes at a cost; high carbon steel tends to be more brittle than its lower carbon counterparts. The brittleness means that while it can handle significant stresses, it is less tolerant to shock and impact, making it prone to cracking if subjected to sudden forces.

The other properties in the choices do not apply to high carbon steel. For instance, being soft and malleable is typical of low carbon steels, which can easily deform without breaking. The notion of being weak and flexible misrepresents high carbon steel’s inherent qualities, as it is neither weak nor particularly flexible. Lastly, the weight of the material is not significantly altered by carbon content; it remains productive and functional for a variety of applications, but it is not defined by being very lightweight. The correct identification of high carbon steel as strong but brittle highlights its key attributes for use in tools, blades, and other applications where durability and hardness are essential.